It was announced by the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night that linebacker Aldon Smith would be out "indefinitely" in the wake of him being arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and marijuana possession. Although owner Jed York at first didn't call Smith's locker emptying and leaving the team as a suspension, the 49ers defined it better on Monday.

The team announced that it has placed Smith on the reserve/non-football injury list.

"Aldon Smith is taking a leave of absence to address a personal matter,” 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement issued by the team.

"The 49ers organization both respects and supports Aldon's decision and commends him for taking responsibility for his actions. The long-term well-being of our players is paramount and we will stand by Aldon as he works toward addressing this issue. Due to the private nature of the matter, we will have no further comment."

It's time Smith plans to use to deal better with his off-field issues involving alcohol and drugs.

"I am taking a leave of absence to address my health," Smith said. "I am sorry that I have affected my team, my family and the organization. I will do everything in my power to handle this situation the best way possible. I appreciate the support of the 49ers and our fans."

It means the first game in which Smith, one of the league's premier edge pass rushers, won't play, Thursday in St. Louis.

Smith played in the 49ers' home loss to Indianapolis on Sunday afternoon after his 7 a.m. Friday morning arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence and drug possession. Smith crashed his car into another vehicle, and his blood-alcohol level was measured at 0.15, twice the legal limit.